Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl expressed frustration with the team’s defensive performance following their 4-3 loss to the Calgary Flames in the Battle of Alberta on Wednesday at the Scotiabank Saddledome. The defeat marked the Oilers’ third consecutive loss, prompting Draisaitl to highlight defensive shortcomings as a major reason for goaltender Tristan Jarry’s difficulties.
Draisaitl emphasized the need for better protection of the goaltender, acknowledging that while goalies must make saves, the team’s defense plays a crucial role in easing that responsibility.
“We’re giving up too many goals. We can’t defend; the penalty kill is not great. There are many things that are part of it. It’s just not good enough right now,” Draisaitl said post-game.
“We got to defend better. We got to make it easier on him [Tristan Jarry], and then I’m sure he can be a little bit better too. It’s a two-way street but it starts with us in front of him and then the game becomes a little bit easier for him. But I think there are saves that our goalies need to make at some point.”
In the game, Jarry recorded 21 saves with a save percentage of .840, underscoring the challenges he faced behind a struggling defense.
Breakdown of the Tight Battle Against the Flames
The Oilers and Flames delivered a closely contested match on Wednesday, with Jonathan Huberdeau opening the scoring on a power play goal at 3:12 of the first period. Edmonton quickly responded as Leon Draisaitl leveled the score with a power play goal at 5:14.
Calgary reclaimed the lead with another power play goal by Matvei Gridin, making it 2-1 heading into the second period. Connor Zary extended the Flames’ advantage to 3-1 at 11:43, but Draisaitl netted his second goal of the night to pull Edmonton closer at 3-2.
Early in the third, Kasperi Kapanen tied the game at 3-3, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. Ryan Lomberg scored the game-winning goal for Calgary at 6:44, sealing the Flames’ victory despite strong efforts from Oilers’ key players.
Leon Draisaitl finished the contest with two goals, showing his value even as the team struggled defensively.
The Impact on the Oilers and What Lies Ahead
The Oilers’ defensive lapses, particularly on penalty kills and in front of Tristan Jarry, have become critical issues as the team seeks to reverse its recent losing streak. Draisaitl’s remarks make clear that improving defensive coordination is essential not only to support their goaltender but also to enhance overall team performance.
With key players like Draisaitl and Kasperi Kapanen contributing offensively, the team must tighten up defensively to compete effectively in upcoming matchups. Addressing these weaknesses could be pivotal in restoring confidence for both the defensemen and Jarry’s goaltending performance moving forward in the season.
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— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) February 5, 2026
